Sudan’s Christians Face Existential Crisis as Civil War Escalates
Sudan’s two million Christians are enduring extreme hardship during the country’s two-year civil war, with many forced to eat animal feed and grass due to severe food shortages. The conflict, rooted in tensions following the 2019 removal of Omar al-Bashir, has displaced 13-15 million people and claimed an estimated 150,000 lives. Christians face additional persecution from both warring factions, with more than 165 churches closed and numerous attacks on places of worship. The RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces have targeted Christians, with reports of forced conversions to Islam and deadly attacks on places of worship. The situation has worsened in areas like El Fasher, where Christians are reportedly eating animal feed and grass due to cut off supplies. A senior Sudanese church leader described the plight, noting that Christians are often seen as enemies by both factions, with no access to food or medicine. The United States has condemned the situation, warning of the return of Bashir-era policies and the influence of Islamist groups.
The conflict has escalated dramatically, with reports of civilians being caught in crossfire and areas becoming kill zones. According to the United Nations, over 150,000 people have died since the conflict began in April 2023. The displacement of such a large number of people has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions of refugees and internally displaced persons struggling to find shelter, food, and medical care. Despite the scale of the crisis, aid organizations face significant challenges in delivering assistance due to the ongoing hostilities and restricted access to affected areas.
Christians in Sudan have long faced discrimination and persecution, but the current conflict has exacerbated these issues. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ research analyst, Mariam Wahba, stated that more than 165 churches have been forced to close, and several places of worship have been attacked. The RSF has been particularly brutal in Wad Madani, setting fire to the Evangelical Church and attacking a prayer service in Al Jazirah State, wounding 14 worshippers. These attacks are part of a broader pattern of targeting Christians, with some militants reportedly vowing to eliminate all Christians in the country.
The United States, through a spokesperson, has expressed concern over the worsening situation and its impact on religious freedom. The U.S. has warned of the return of Bashir-era policies and highlighted the need to prevent the resurgence of violent extremists. The State Department emphasized its efforts to limit negative Islamist influence in Sudan’s government and curtail Iran’s regional activities that have contributed to regional destabilization and civilian suffering. These developments have raised concerns about the potential for further religious persecution and the long-term impact on Sudan’s religious minorities.
In the face of such extreme adversity, Christians in Sudan are relying on their faith for hope. A senior Sudanese church leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity for his safety, expressed despair over the situation, noting that it is difficult to find hope in a country that is becoming increasingly radical. Despite the dire circumstances, he remains optimistic about the role of the church as a light and salt in the nation, believing that even in the darkest moments, faith can turn curses into blessings. The broader international community is monitoring the situation closely, with calls for increased humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict and protect vulnerable religious minorities.